Apparatus and method for storing line and hoisting articles

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a frame member having an offset handle upon which line can be stored. The handle has a hole therein through which the line can be passed in order to properly secure the device to the line. Furthermore, the device has hooks on each end of the line for hoisting an article or attaching the line to an article of clothing. In use, the device can be used to attach one end to a person&#39;s clothing and attach the other end of the line to an article, such as a backpack, to be hoisted up a tree such as a hunter might hoist an article up a tree stand. Furthermore, the present invention is adapted so that the handle can be attached to a structural member of a tree stand or the like.

[0001] This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/333,300 filed on Jun. 15, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to apparatuses for storing lines, and more particularly, to an apparatus having an offset handle for storing lines and hoisting articles.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Devices for storing lines have been described in the prior art. However, none of the prior art discloses the unique features of the present invention.

[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 170,162, dated Aug. 11, 1953, Ogren disclosed the ornamental design for a clothesline reel, as shown and described.

[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,320, dated Apr. 10, 1990, Neal disclosed a kite string reel, suitable for manual operation and also suitable for power-driven operation by reason of its adaptation for use with a cordless screwdriver having a mouth for accepting interchangeable bits. The kite string reel contains a hollow spool having two flanges. One flange is an annular ring while the other flange is a circular disc. The circular disc has a handle extending away from the spool and a bit extending inward. A removable handle is adapted to fit into the open end of the spool for manual operation or, if power-driven operation is desired, a cordless screwdriver can instead be inserted.

[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 250,746, dated Jan. 9, 1979, Powell disclosed the ornamental design for a control handle for kite, as shown and described.

[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 217,429, dated May 5, 1970, Parsons disclosed the ornamental design for a kite string reel as shown and described.

[0010] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 294,915, dated Mar. 29, 1988, Alonso disclosed the ornamental design for a combined kite string winder, kite holder and carrying handle for a bag, as shown and described.

[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 223,699, dated May 30, 1972, Kamins, et al., disclosed an ornamental design for a combined closure and handle for a carrier bag as shown and described.

[0012] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 235,848, dated Jul. 15, 1975, Short disclosed an ornamental design for a kite reel as shown and described.

[0013] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,150, dated Nov. 12, 1991, Prouty disclosed two stunt kite handles which are connected together by detachable couplings to form a winding frame which has oppositely extending winding posts for receiving strings would thereabout in a figure-eight pattern. The handles are also provided with oppositely extending pivot posts which, when loosely held, permit the winding frame to pivot about a rotational axis to facilitate the release of string from the device. Each of two control strings is wound around a grip portion of its respective handle; and, both strings are wound in figure-eight fashion around the winding posts.

[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,844, dated Apr. 1, 1997, Bosch disclosed an invention which relates generally to construction line reels used in building construction for layout of true lines between two points and relates in particular to a construction line reel which accommodates more than one gauge of line, which permits line tension control as a means of precluding line tangling and twisting and spool or reel backlash as release or reeling in occurs, permits reeled in line to form tightly and evenly on the spool, increases the case and speed of reeling in line providing a construction line reel configuration which is easy to hold and control and which may be stored in a nail pouch or coveralls or hooked to a tool belt. This invention also relates to kite flying and will provide storage and control of kite string and control of kites.

[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,612, dated Jul. 7, 1992, Onstott disclosed an apparatus used for securing sets of flexible strap handles of various sizes and shapes, and for retrieving, deploying, and storing the kite line attached to each flexible strap handle used when flying dual line kites. The invention includes an elongated tube with a rod extending perpendicular through the tube on both the upper and lower portion, each rod protruding equal distance on each side of the tube. A compression spring allows the upper rod to move closer to the lower rod, allowing flexible strap handles of various sizes and shapes to be secured onto the invention. The method of use of this invention allows sets of two flexible strap handles to be secured onto perpendicular rods, each handle attaching around an upper and lower rod on each side of the invention, then the kite line, which is secured to each handle, can be manually deployed or taken up onto this invention simultaneously by turning the tube on its axis. The method of use also allows the inserting of a battery-operated winder onto the end cap of the tube where a built-in winder attachment is located, to assist in the simultaneous retrieving of dual kite lines onto the invention at an increased speed. The built-in winder attachment also allows the use of a quick release clip which can be connected to the invention, allowing the kite flyer to connect the invention to his person.

[0016] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 277,555, dated Feb. 12, 1985, Pattillo, et al., disclosed the ornamental design for a form for supporting plastic bags, as shown and described.

[0017] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 257,128, dated Sep. 30, 1980, Houlberg disclosed the ornamental design for handle for a carry bag, as shown and described.

[0018] In U.S. Pat. No. Des. 255,332, dated Jun. 10, 1980, DuCorday disclosed the ornamental design for a combined hook and handle for a bag, substantially as shown and described.

[0019] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,746, dated Apr. 30, 1996, Hostetter disclosed a convertible wrist to finger kite handle constructed in the manner of a wrist kite handle of flexible material having a wrist lop and kite string attachment ring, the invention incorporating a conversion ring adjacent to the attachment ring to permit the flexible material of the wrist loop to be introduced therein to convert the single wrist loop into a two finger kite handle. The invention also contemplates the incorporation of additional conversion rings adjacent to each other to provide for a three and four finger kite handle.

[0020] While these devices for storing lines may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention discloses a frame member having an offset handle upon which line can be stored. The handle has a hole therein through which the line can be passed in order to properly secure the device to the line. Furthermore, the device has hooks on each end of the line for attachment to an object for hoisting or attaching the line to an article of clothing. In use, the device can be used to attach a hook on one end to a person's clothing and attach the hook on the other end of the line to an article, such as a backpack, to be hoisted up a tree as a hunter might hoist an article up to a tree stand. Furthermore, the present invention is adapted so that the handle can be attached to a structural member of a tree stand or the like.

[0022] An object of the present invention is to provide a device having a handle which is offset whereon rope can be wound without the hand of the user interfering with the winding of the rope. A further object of the present invention is to provide a light, convenient apparatus which can be used to hoist articles up a tree stand. A further object of the present invention is to provide a device which is simple and economical to manufacture.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple means for hoisting articles up a tree, such as a rifle, by providing a loop in the rope whereupon the rifle can be attached in a safe manner. A further object of the present invention is to provide a means for hoisting articles up a tree which is safe to use.

[0024] The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

[0025] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention in operative connection.

[0030]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for the rope loop.

[0031]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the end of the present invention as shown in FIG. 5.

[0033]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0034] With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.

[0035]10 present invention

[0036]12 handle

[0037]14 winding frame

[0038]16 rope

[0039]18 post

[0040]20 hole

[0041]22 recessed area

[0042]24 area of normal thickness

[0043]26 hook

[0044]28 means for connection

[0045]30 loop in rope

[0046]32 belt loop

[0047]34 user

[0048]36 hand of the user

[0049]37 rifle

[0050]38 trigger guard

[0051]39 tree stand

[0052]40 rifle barrel

[0053]41 tree

[0054]42 means for attachment

[0055]44 collar

[0056]46 frame member

[0057]48 fastener

[0058]50 frame member

[0059]52 notch

[0060]54 tie means

[0061]56 concave recess

[0062]58 aperture

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0063] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate the present invention being a device for storing line and hoisting articles.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 1, therein is shown a perspective view of the present invention generally shown at 10. Shown therein is a handle 12 which is offset so that it can be held in the hand of the user while at the same time providing a recessed area or winding frame 14 upon which a rope, line or string 16 can be wound and thereby stored. The handle 12 forms a winding frame 14 having oppositely extending multiple winding posts or flanges 18, e.g., four in number, within which the rope 16 can be wound and secured. Note that the winding posts 18 form an area having a recess 14 therein for holding the rope 16 and that the two winding posts closest to the handle 12 are integrally formed into the handle so that the handle 12 is contiguous to and a part of these two winding posts. Also note that the handle has an aperture or hole 20 therein through which the rope 16 can be passed. It should also be noted that in manufacture the handle 12 has multiple recessed areas 22 in the handle which make it thinner in those areas than the normal thickness areas 24 of the handle. The purpose of the recessed areas 22 is to reduce the volume of material required and thereby the cost of the material in the manufacturing process and to make the produce stronger, lighter and more resistant to warping. Also note that the rope 16 has hooks 26 at either end upon which articles can be attached. It should be noted that the handle 12 which is gripped by the hand of the user is offset away from the winding frame 14 so that the rope 16 can be wound upon the handle without the hand of the user interfering with the winding of the rope or string.

[0065] Turning to FIG. 2, therein is shown a perspective view of the present invention 10. The handle 12 is shown along with the winding frame 14. The oppositely positioned posts 18 are also shown on either side of the winding frame 14. Also shown is the rope 16, the hole 20, the recessed handle areas 22, along with the areas 24 of the handle of normal or greatest thickness. Also shown is the rope 16, having hooks 26 on either end. Note that the hooks 26 have means 28 for being connected to the rope 16. Also note that a loop 30 can be formed in the rope 26 as will be discussed later.

[0066] Turning to FIG. 3, therein is shown a perspective view of the present invention generally shown at 10 in operative connection. Shown therein is the handle 12 having the rope 16 passing through the hole 20 of the handle and whereupon the hook 26 is attached to a belt loop 32 of the user 34 in a tree 41 positioned on a tree stand 39. The line is then held in the hand 36 of the user which line 16 is attached to a rifle 37 by having the rope 16 pass through the trigger guard 38 of the rifle 37 and then having the hook 26 being attached to the loop also having the rifle barrel 40 pass through the loop 30. In this manner the rifle 37 can be safely hoisted up the tree 41 by the user 34.

[0067] Turning to FIG. 4, therein is shown an alternative embodiment for placing a loop 30 in the rope 16. Shown is a pre-manufactured loop 30 having a means for connection 42 to the rope 16. This differs from the embodiment of the loop shown in FIG. 2 in that the loop shown in FIG. 2 is placed in the rope by the user forming a simple loop knot in the rope 16 which knot is not movable. Means 42 attaches to rope 16 in such a way that loop 30 is slidably movable on rope 16 which allows loop 30 to be moved up and down the rope 16 so that the loop 30 is adaptable for use with various lengths of gun barrels and other equipment. Means for connection 42 comprises a metal or plastic locking collar 44 being placed around the loose rope ends of loop 30 in order to secure the loop 30 about means 42 as would be done in the standard manner by one skilled in the art.

[0068] Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is a frame member 46 which could be either a round or square frame member which could be a structural frame member of either a fixed or climbing tree stand 39 which might be used in association with the present invention. Therein is shown the handle 12 along with elements previously disclosed along with a concave, recessed portion 56 of the handle 12 which runs the entire length of the handle which is designed to receive the frame member 46 therein whether round or square. Also shown are a pair of apertures 58 which receive fasteners 48, e.g., threaded screws or the like, which are used to provide a means for attachment of the present invention 10 to the proximate object or frame member 46.

[0069] Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is shown the present invention 10 along with elements previously disclosed showing another view of the attachment of the handle 10 to the frame member 46 using a fastener 48.

[0070] Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is an additional frame member 50 which could be either a round or square frame member which could be a portion of a fixed or climbing tree stand 39 which might be used with the present invention 10. Shown is the handle 12 having a pair of notches 52 disposed therein which notches are designed to receive tie means 54 which could be a zip tie or the like. The notches 52 are placed on the top edge of the handle 12 of the present invention 10 so that the tie means 54 will remain in place within the notch so as to not become loose from the present invention 10 thereby allowing the present invention to be loosely held by the tie means. Also note, that the tie means 54 are loosely enough attached to the frame member 50 so that the present invention 10 can be slidably moved along the frame member 50. 

What is claimed to be new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the claims:
 1. An apparatus for hoisting articles, comprising: a) a frame member; b) a handle located on said frame member; c) a winding frame located on said frame member, said winding frame having a first end and a second end; d) a rope for storage on said winding frame; e) said frame member having a hole therein; f) said rope passing through said hole in said frame member for attaching said frame member to said rope; and, g) means for connection located on each end of said rope for connection to an article whereby articles can be hoisted using the apparatus.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a first pair of oppositely positioned winding posts disposed on said first end of said winding frame, and a second pair of oppositely positioned winding posts disposed on said second end of said winding frame, said rope being wound on said winding frame between said winding posts whereby said rope is stored on said winding frame, wherein said handle is offset from said winding frame, said handle being held in the hand of the user without interfering with the winding of said rope upon said winding frame.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 , said means for connection further comprising a first hook and a second hook disposed on each end of said rope.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 , further comprising a loop formed in said rope, said first hook of said rope passing first through a trigger guard of a rifle and thereafter said first hook of said rope being attached to said loop, said rifle being secured to said rope thereby.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising a loop of rope connected to said rope, said loop of rope having means for connection to said rope, said means for connection being slidable on said rope, said first hook of said rope passing first through a trigger guard of a rifle and thereafter said first hook of said rope being attached to said loop, said rifle being secured to said rope thereby.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 , further comprising a concave recess disposed in said handle, wherein said recess extends the entire length of said handle.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said concave recess further comprises means for attachment to a proximate object whereby said handle can be removably fixedly attached to a proximate object.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 , said handle having a top edge therein, said top edge having a pair of notches therein, wherein said handle further comprises means for a tie, said notches for receiving said means for a tie whereby said handle can be secured to a proximate object.
 9. A method of hoisting articles, comprising the steps of: a) providing a frame member having a handle sized to be grasped by the hand of the user; b) forming a winding frame into of the frame member so that the winding frame has two ends; c) wrapping a rope around the two ends of the winding frame; d) placing a hole in the frame member; e) threading the rope through the hole; f) providing only one hook on each end of the rope so that only a total of two hooks are used; g) attaching a first hook on one end of the rope to the clothing of the user so that the rope is thereby connected to the user; and, h) forming a loop in the rope between the two hooks and then passing the second hook through an element of the object to be hoisted and then attaching the second hook to the loop so that the object can then be hoisted using the rope.
 10. The method of claim 9 , wherein step g) comprises the step of forming a concave recess in the handle so that the recess extend the full length of the handle and then attaching the handle to a proximate object so that the concave recess receives the proximate object.
 11. A method of hoisting a rifle, comprising the steps of: a) providing a frame member having a handle sized to be grasped by the hand of the user; b) forming a winding frame into of the frame member so that the winding frame has two ends; c) wrapping a rope around the two ends of the winding frame; d) placing a hole in the frame member; e) threading the rope through the hole; f) providing only one hook on each end of the rope so that only a total of two hooks are used; g) attaching a first hook on one end of the rope to the clothing of the user so that the rope is thereby connected to the user; and, h) forming a loop in the rope between the two hooks and then passing the second hook through a trigger guard of a rifle to be hoisted and then attaching the second hook to the loop so that the rifle can then be hoisted using the rope.
 12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of positioning the end of the barrel of the rifle inside the loop so that the rifle is better secured to the rope to be thereby safer during the hoisting process.
 13. The method of claim 11 , wherein step g) comprises the step of forming a concave recess in the handle so that the recess extend the full length of the handle and then attaching the handle to a proximate object so that the concave recess receives the proximate object.
 14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising the step of positioning the end of the barrel of the rifle inside the loop so that the rifle is better secured to the rope to be thereby safer during the hoisting process. 